Yes, he has the right to appreciate them. . . but he certainly does not HAVE to, and if he finds more fault than favour, that is his right too.

I think the movies get more right than they get wrong, but the DEFINITELY do take certain liberties, and some of them are not for the better. It is easy enough to see how any one of the many changes could really put off a purist, and it would be surprising if Christopher were not something of a purist.

In Reply To

Christopher Tolkien has every right to appreciate the films and he has sufficient reason to as well.

They are,, largely great films that embrace the source material through some truly serious and carefull treatment. There are many moments of brilliance, and some very good design choices by Lee and Howe, so overall a good, even if flawed adaptation.

Compared to the books, they are not as good obviously, but shine on their own.

"Hear me, hounds of Sauron, Gandalf is here! Fly if you value your foul skins, I will shrivel you from tail to snout if you step within this circle!"

"Do not be to eager to deal out death in judgement. Even the very wise cannot see all ends."